Farmer-groups in selected municipalities of Ilocos Norte, including Vintar, Bacarra, Dingras, and Solson received soil health cards as part of the Sustainable Community-based Action Research for Development and Extension (R4DE) for Livelihood Enhancement, Upliftment, and Prosperity (SCALE-UP) program implemented by DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research and DA-Ilocos Region.
DA-BAR Program Development Division OIC-assistant head and SCALE-UP Program R4D team lead Kris Thea Marie Hernandez during a field visit in March, presented the details of the soil health card, emphasizing the significance of understanding soil health and fertility as the basis for effectively determining the appropriate kind and amounts of soil nutrients required, which can help minimize excessive fertilizer application and consequently, reduce production costs.
Dr. Gilbert Rabara, the project leader for the DA-Ilocos Region, emphasized the vital importance of farmer cooperation in ensuring the program's efficiency, particularly rejuvenating soil conditions. He underscored strengthened cooperation, application of recommendations and knowledge gained from capacity-building sessions, and open communication to address challenges.
The farmer-partners also received training through the Climate Resilient Farm Business School (CRFBS) conducted by DA-Ilocos Region. The program covered various topics on implementing effective agricultural practices, mitigating the effects of climate change, recognizing opportunities for resilience in farm business planning, and refining entrepreneurial skills for better farm management and profitability.
The monitoring team also had courtesy visits with Mayor Richard Degala of Vintar, as well as Mayor Joseph de Lara and Vice Mayor Jonathan de Lara of Solson, discussing the current status and benefits of the SCALE-UP program. The concept of deriving soil health maps from the soil health cards were discussed, which garnered appreciation and support from the local leaders.
Moving forward, DA-BAR and DA-Ilocos Region, commits continuing technical assistance and capacity-building sessions to farmers.